Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Landfill Leachate using Fish Scale Biochar

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination is a serious environmental issue that can affect both humans and animals' health in many ways. The study was to explore the potential of fish scale biochar as an adsorbent for the removal of toxic metals from landfill leachate. The acquired fish scales were properly cleaned with deionised water and allowed to air dry for three days. After that, they were heated to a temperature of 10°C per minute in an inert atmosphere and allowed to sit for 60 minute in a muffle furnace. The initial and final concentrations of heavy metals of landfill leachate was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after treatment with fish scale’s biochar at minimum of 0.50 g to a maximum of 2.50 g. The adsorption efficiency of chromium with fish scale biochar ranged 99.71% to 99.84%. The efficiency of cadmium adsorption with fish scale biochar produced about 99.80% to 99.98%. The percentage efficiency of nickel in the landfill leachate ranged from 99.30% to 99.55%. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q_e) for chromium, cadmium, and nickel were 9.52 x 10^-6, -2.80 x 10^-5, and 1.82 x 10^-5, respectively with coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.7758, 0.1765 and 0.6831, respectively. Fish scale’s biochar possesses efficient potentials with its high surface area and porous nature. Further research should be conducted using different time to assess the adsorption efficiency of pollutants.